“I don’t bully women!”
“No, because they are usually only to willing to drop their drawers at your feet without a word of protest.”
“Surely not all?” Daniel drawled.
Rolling his eyes, Simon said. “All I’m saying, Daniel, is give her time. Eva has lived with men who have mistreated her since birth. According to Betsy Mullholland, she has only survived because of her strength and humor.”
“Who the hell is Betsy Mullholland?”
“The maid you had brought here from Winchcomb’s household, you idiot.”
Daniel vaguely remembered the name. “Why are you speaking to my maid?”
“She was in the kitchen when I went to see Mrs. Stimpel.”
Shaking his head and muttering about Simon’s appetite, Daniel entered the stables seconds later. He would talk again with Eva later, reassure her about London. He hoped Simon was right and that given time she would change her mind, but in all honesty he had his doubts.
CHAPTER SIX
Daniel looked across the table to where Eva sat. She chatted with Simon, laughing as he said something amusing. She was comfortable at Stratton and he knew change would not be easy on her, yet he also knew she was stronger now – stronger, perhaps, than even she realized.
Candlelight played over her hair and face. The gentle curve of her nose and pout of her lower lip drew his eye. Tonight’s dress was blue, simple in design, yet it caressed every sweet curve of her body and the need inside him that had been building would tonight be assuaged.
“I understand you play the piano, Eva?”
“Yes, Lord Kelkirk.”
“Will you play for us tonight?”
Her instinct was to say no - Daniel saw it coming - but this time he thwarted her. “An excellent idea, Simon. Luton, please light the candles in the music room and we shall follow shortly.”
“I am out of practice.”
“Believe me when I tell you, Duchess, that Simon is tone deaf and will not know the difference.”
“Sad but true,” Simon sighed.
“I shall just go up then and warm up my fingers.” She stood so quickly, the chair rocked back on its legs, and she hurried from the room
“Promise me one thing, my friend.”
Daniel looked across the table as Simon spoke. “What?”
“Be gentle with her. She would be easy to break.”
“I am not now nor will I ever be my father, Kelkirk. I would never willingly hurt a woman and most especially not my duchess.”
“So you finally believe that, do you?”
“Believe what?” Daniel snapped.
“That you will never be a brute like your sire.”
“I am trying, Simon, but I fear it will take me some time to believe fully.”
Standing, Simon refilled their glasses. “Having known both you and your father, I can say in all honesty, my friend, there were never two more different men. Unlike he, you have honor in your bones.”
Like most men, Daniel did not feel comfortable with sentiment, but he thanked his friend for the words and felt lighter in his heart as they headed toward the music room. Maybe - just maybe - he was different.
